In a bold move for Bollywood, the new courtroom drama “Haq” brings one of India’s most significant legal battles to the big screen. Directed by Suparn Varma and starring Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi, this film explores the landmark 1985 Shah Bano case that ignited national debates on Muslim women’s rights, religious laws, and gender justice in India .
Released on November 7, 2025, “Haq” arrives at a time when conversations about uniform civil codes and religious personal laws remain deeply relevant in Indian society . The film has generated significant attention both for its powerful subject matter and the controversy surrounding its depiction of real-life events.
What is Haq About? Story and Relevance
“Haq” follows the journey of Shazia Bano (Yami Gautam), a Muslim woman who fights for her rights after her husband, Abbas Khan (Emraan Hashmi), divorces her through triple talaq and denies her alimony . What begins as a personal struggle evolves into a landmark courtroom battle that captures national attention .
The film is inspired by the historic 1985 Shah Bano case, where a 62-year-old Muslim mother of five from Indore approached the Supreme Court seeking maintenance from her divorced husband under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code . The Supreme Court’s ruling in her favor became a pivotal moment in Indian legal history, sparking nationwide debates on the intersection of religious personal laws and constitutional rights .
The Shah Bano Case: Real History
The real Shah Bano case (Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum) involved a Muslim woman who fought for maintenance from her husband after he divorced her following 43 years of marriage . The Supreme Court’s 1985 judgment upheld her right to alimony, applying Section 125 of CrPC to all citizens regardless of religion .
The ruling ignited intense controversy, with some segments of the Muslim community viewing it as interference in their personal laws. The political aftermath eventually led to the government passing the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act in 1986, which limited the application of the Supreme Court’s judgment .
Cast and Performances
Lead Actors
- Yami Gautam as Shazia Bano: Gautam delivers what many critics are calling a career-defining performance as the protagonist fighting for her rights . Her portrayal captures both the vulnerability and resilience of a woman standing up against systemic injustice .
- Emraan Hashmi as Abbas Khan: Hashmi plays the sophisticated lawyer husband who becomes Shazia’s adversary in court . Critics have praised his nuanced portrayal of a man “torn between legal intellect and moral blindness” .
Supporting Cast
The film features several accomplished actors in supporting roles:
- Sheeba Chaddha as Shazia’s lawyer
- Danish Hussain as Shazia’s progressive father
- Aseem Hattangady in a significant role
- Vartika Singh making her debut
Production and Filming Details
“Haq” is directed by Suparn S Varma, known for his socially charged narratives . The screenplay is written by Reshu Nath . The film is produced by Junglee Pictures in association with Insomnia Films and Baweja Studios .
The movie was shot across authentic locations in Lucknow and Delhi, including the actual Supreme Court of India at Tilak Marg in Delhi . Specific Lucknow locations featured include the Tomb of Saadat Ali Khan and Safed Baradari, providing visual authenticity to the narrative .
Table: Key Production Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Suparn S Varma |
| Writer | Reshu Nath |
| Producers | Junglee Pictures, Insomnia Films, Baweja Studios |
| Filming Locations | Lucknow, Delhi |
| Release Date | November 7, 2025 |
| Inspiration | Shah Bano case & book ‘Bano: Bharat Ki Beti’ |
Critical Reception and Reviews
“Haq” has received largely positive reviews from critics, with many praising its balanced handling of a sensitive subject and powerful performances.
- India Today awarded the film 4 out of 5 stars, calling it “a mature take on faith, law and legacy of Shah Bano” .
- Mathrubhumi described it as “Bollywood’s boldest legal drama yet,” particularly praising Yami Gautam’s “career-defining performance” .
- Taran Adarsh, noted trade analyst, gave the film 4 stars, calling it “POWERFUL” and “a MUST-WATCH – bold, power-packed, gripping, emotionally charged” .
Critics have highlighted the film’s restraint in handling a potentially explosive subject without sensationalism or vilification of any community . The courtroom confrontations between Gautam and Hashmi have been particularly praised for their emotional intensity and intellectual depth .
Controversy and Legal Challenges
Despite critical acclaim, “Haq” has faced legal challenges from Shah Bano’s family. Her daughter, Siddiqua Begum, filed a petition in the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench seeking to stop the film’s release .
The family claims the film depicts Shah Bano’s personal life without their consent, arguing this violates their right to privacy . Shah Bano’s grandson, Jubair Ahmad Khan, stated they learned about the film only when its teaser was released and alleged that “a lot of facts in the teaser are distorted” .
The filmmakers have responded that “Haq” is a “fictional depiction” that takes creative liberties . Their legal representative emphasized the film’s disclaimer stating it is inspired by the Supreme Court judgment and the book ‘Bano, Bharat ki Beti’ rather than claiming to be a factual biography .
Despite these challenges, the film received censor certification without cuts across India, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK .
FAQ Section
Is the movie Haq based on a true story?
Yes, “Haq” is inspired by the landmark 1985 Shah Bano case, though the filmmakers clarify it is a fictionalized and dramatized account based on both the Supreme Court judgment and the book ‘Bano: Bharat Ki Beti’ by Jigna Vora .
What is the plot of Haq?
The film follows Shazia Bano, a Muslim woman who fights for her rights after her husband divorces her through triple talaq and denies her alimony. Her personal struggle evolves into a significant courtroom battle addressing broader issues of women’s rights, religious laws, and constitutional justice .
How has Haq been reviewed?
“Haq” has received positive reviews, with many critics praising its balanced handling of sensitive topics, powerful performances (particularly from Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi), and thought-provoking narrative. Several reviews have awarded it 4 out of 5 stars .
Is there any controversy around the Haq movie?
Yes, Shah Bano’s family has filed legal petitions seeking to stop the film’s release, claiming it depicts her personal life without family consent and distorts facts. The filmmakers maintain it is a fictionalized account inspired by the case rather than a factual biography .
Where was Haq filmed?
The movie was shot primarily in Lucknow and Delhi, with specific locations including Lucknow’s Tomb of Saadat Ali Khan and Safed Baradari, as well as the actual Supreme Court of India in Delhi .
Conclusion
“Haq” stands as a significant addition to Indian cinema’s engagement with social issues. By revisiting the historic Shah Bano case, the film connects past and present conversations about gender justice, religious laws, and constitutional rights .
Beyond its courtroom drama framework, “Haq” succeeds as a human story of dignity, courage, and resistance . As director Suparn Varma stated, the film tells “the story of a voice that shook the nation” – a voice that continues to resonate four decades after the original case.
For viewers interested in thought-provoking cinema that combines emotional depth with social relevance, “Haq” offers a compelling theatrical experience that deserves attention both for its artistic merits and its engagement with ongoing constitutional questions about equality and justice in pluralistic societies.
